You were right. Camping was fun. (Part 2)

Going apple-picking topped our to-do list last weekend while camping near Julian, CA.

My super-natural mama friends found this pesticide-free orchard about five minutes away from our campground.



We parked the car, and the next thing I know - before we have entered the actual orchard - my son is eating an apple from the ground. Whatevs. He's enthusiastic.

This orchard was beautifully quirky.

Really, the big secret is that I'm not a huge fan of apples. I don't hate them. But I'd never eat an apple for a snack. They're too sweet for me. So the highlights were watching the kids running up the lanes and being in God's amazing creation so unlike our coastal environment.

I see myself so much in this photo of my daughter. While my son's vibrant joy makes my heart smile every day, my daughter's thoughtfulness and seriousness is so familiar. I was a serious child too, and I see how beautiful that is in her. She takes life in, deeply, from the tiniest apple to the biggest dream.

I loved the day with my family. But since I don't love apples, possibly...for me...the best part of the outing...OK now I'm a little embarrassed to admit this. The winery across the street.

I blame it on the weather. It was hot, and they had a big chalkboard out front that read "Ice Cold Sangria." I really, really love sangria. Like way more than apples. 

 I like to think of it as my reward for braving so much of The Nature.